January 30, 2012

Favorite moments and firsts from Butler's Matthew Graves

While on a recent recruiting trip, I flew into a regional airport that I had never been to in my life. The thought occurred to me was how fortunate I was to have the opportunity to see so many different places and meet so many different people.  A project that I always regret not starting from my playing days was to keep a journal of every gym that I had been in as a player or coach with a brief note or description about it. At only age 37, there would be numerous gyms that would include 45-different states (New Mexico, Idaho, Vermont, New Hampshire & Maine - still to go).

As enjoyable as it is to play at a different venue or watch a recruit in a remote high school, the memories from these places are something that will always stay with you. Whether it was a memory of the game, a person you met or saw, the student section, concession stand or how the National Anthem was sung, the things we coaches get to see and experience are truly something never to take for granted. Again, to this day, I still kick myself for not starting this project but maybe this will inspire some young person to track their journey through coaching and have something to look fondly back on some day. The following are some of my memories from various stops since my playing days at Butler University.

First College Game - @Cincinnati: The student section chanted “Water Boy” when I checked into the game. I was all of 6-foot-3, 175lbs.

First College Home Game - Hinkle Fieldhouse: Beat Indiana University and made my first career 3pt shot. The embarrassing part of that game was kicking the ball out of bounds when I first checked into the game.

Favorite road arena as player - Brown Co. Arena (Green Bay) ... it no longer is used for games but the atmosphere was incredible as the fans were right on top of you. My senior year, I made two FT’s with no time on the clock to win a regular season game and we came back a week later to win a conference championship to advance to the NCAA tournament again.

Last college game as a player - Rupp Arena: First round NCAA tournament loss. I hope one day our team at Butler gets an opportunity to play in Rupp.

First Trip as Director of Ops - @Fairbanks Alaska: We won the Top of the World Classic (the fans were terrific) and I remember plugging in the rental car in -30 degree weather.

Favorite moment as a Coach - Lucas Oil Stadium: This probably seems like an obvious pick because of being in the Final 4 for the 1st time but the thing I will remember the most is walking out to 30,000 people for the open practice - It was unbelievable!!

Safe travels to all…

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 Hinkle Fieldhouse photo courtesy Chris Dortch